Word Origin & History

mid-17c., from block (v.) + -ade, false French ending (the French word is blocus, 18c. in this sense, which seems to be in part a back-formation from the verb bloquer and in part influenced by Middle Dutch blokhuus "blockhouse").

Example Sentences for blockade

Besides which he established a blockade in front of the harbour when the weather permitted.

The blockade had raised even the most simple articles to the price of luxuries.

Then we will all have to get out or else be obliged to run the blockade.

They wont do that, and if they do, England will break the blockade.

A second grievance was the blockade of American ports by British cruisers.

The British Isles were declared to be in a state of blockade.

The blockade will be complete, and we shall rest as isolated as the other side of the moon.

Her blockade of the French ports was very imperfect, and easily evaded.

It is only because such appendages would be a blockade to business.

This epistle was written whilst the blockade and battery were going on.